Primary school admissions in Sheffield

Starting school options

By law a child must be in full-time education from the beginning of the term after their 5th birthday but parents do have some flexibility in deciding when their child will start reception.

The options are as follows:

All 4 year old children can start in reception class in the September after their 4th birthday.

Parents may defer their child’s admission into reception until the January or April, depending on their date of birth.

If you choose to defer, your child continues to be entitled to free early learning (15 hours per week term time) at a childcare provider of your choice.

You should also discuss your decision with your child’s childcare, where this is relevant. If you are unable to download a copy you will be able to get one from the school which your child has been allocated.

Fraudulent applications

We take the issue of fraudulent applications very seriously. If we receive any information alleging that an application has been made fraudulently, it will require parents to provide 2 forms of specific proof to confirm the address.

Where we have made an offer of a place at a school on the basis of fraudulent or intentionally misleading information, which has effectively denied a place to a child with a higher right of entry, it will be withdrawn if it come to light before the start of the academic year.